SIXTH forms could be closed and further education colleges merged across Wales in a major shake up of post-16 learning.

Deputy skills minister John Griffiths told AMs yesterday that the Assembly Government was aiming for a ‘transformation’ in the education and training delivery.

The proposed changes would widen options available to young people and improve quality with greater effectiveness and efficiency, he said.

“There will be more cross sector working, schools with colleges, colleges with universities, and with work based providers.”

Some 60% of the proposed changes would begin by September 2010, with the remainder starting by September the following year, he said.

Eleven local authorities, including Conwy, Gwynedd and Ynys Mon acting as one learning partnership, were proposing formal collaboration between schools and further education institutions.

Merger proposals had been submitted on behalf of Deeside and Llysfasi Colleges, with formal links with Yale College, Wrexham; Coleg Meirion Dwyfor and Llandrillo College, with links to Bangor University; in addition to the Welsh College of Horticulture and Deeside merger.

Mr Griffiths said that FE colleges investigating the benefits of merger were “candidates for early investment”, while best practice would be shared across Wales.

Tory AM for North Wales Mark Isherwood accused the Assembly Government of planning sixth form closures and college mergers without admitting it.

“You are lighting the blue touch paper and leaving it to others to take the blame for the explosion.”

He said that a lecturer at Yale College had told him that cuts in funding were a travesty for the college facing cuts in jobs and courses. A North Wales head teacher had described post 14 education as a ‘shambles’. “Another says WAG has politicised education,” he said.

Nerys Evans for Plaid said there were challenges to face over rural access to services, Welsh language provision and funding.

But Mr Griffiths insisted there was no ‘hidden agenda’ for closures, adding: “The funding formula is being considered at the moment.

“We need to focus on the needs of the learners not institutions.

“Our policy is not ’one size fits all’, but allows local partnerships to decide the best way forward, as long as choice and opportunity are widened, and quality and best use of precious public money is improved.

“In an increasingly competitive world, we need a higher-skilled population where everyone can develop their capabilities fully, both to optimise their own life chances and make a greater contribution to the economy and the community.”